Our View: Expanding 'Sportsman's Paradise'

The state's landscapes are as rich and diverse as any in the country, and its waterways are the envy of our neighbors.

And unlike other states, many of our natural jewels are open to the public.

"Most states are envious of Louisiana when it comes to the availability of public land for outdoor recreation," said local Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Jerald Owens. "When it comes to public access to land, we're at the top of the list."

And our public sportsman's - and sportswoman's - paradise in northeastern Louisiana just got bigger.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has reach a lease agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add the 2,954-acre tract to the Ouachita Wildlife Management Area's southern border along Bosco Lane.

That gives us a 40,000-acre tract of nature with the contiguous 14,000-acre Ouachita WMA and the 36,000-acre Russell Sage Wildlife Management area.

It's a playground for hunters, birdwatchers and nature lovers to roam for free.

The new tract, which was formerly used for row crops, has already been planted with indigenous hardwood seedlings, which will someday provide a natural canopy.

In the meantime, the brush-covered land is perfect for rabbit hunting and hiking.

And Owens said the LDWF plans to construct a parking area on Bosco Lane next summer for easier access to the new land.

"Our mission is to provide quality recreational opportunities for the sportsmen and women of Louisiana, so we're excited to be able to add this tract as a public asset," said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham, a favorite son from Oak Ridge.

We applaud the LDWF for seeking ways to expand public land for recreation for us and for the creatures who can thrive there.